Patents Issued in August 30, 2007
  • Publication number: 20070200976
    Abstract: To provide: a very thin elliptically polarizing plate having broadband and wide viewing angle; a simple method of producing the same; and an image display apparatus employing the elliptically polarizing plate. The elliptically polarizing plate of the present invention includes a polarizer, a protective layer formed on one side of the polarizer, a first birefringent layer serving as a ?/2 plate, and a second birefringent layer serving as a ?/4 plate. In the elliptically polarizing plate, the first birefringent layer and the second birefringent layer are each formed by using a liquid crystal material. Preferably, the first birefringent layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 5 ?m and the second birefringent layer has a thickness of 0.3 to 3 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ikuo Kawamoto, Seiji Umemoto
  • Publication number: 20070200977
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a display device having a high contrast ratio. Another object of the invention is to manufacture such a high-performance display device at low cost. In a display device having a display element between a pair of light-transmissive substrates, polarizer-including layers, which have different wavelength distributions of extinction coefficients, are stacked so that absorption axes are in a parallel nicol state, over each light-transmissive substrate. Absorption axes of one of a pair of stacks of polarizers and the other together which interpose the display element are deviated from a cross nicol state. A retardation plate may be provided between the stack of polarizing plates and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Egi, Tetsuji Ishitani, Takeshi Nishi
  • Publication number: 20070200978
    Abstract: An object is to provide a display device with high contrast ratio. Another object is to manufacture such a high-performance display device at low cost. In a display device having a display element interposed between a pair of light-transmitting substrates, a stack of polarizer-including layers in a parallel nicol state is provided outside each of the light-transmitting substrates. Here, transmission axes of polarizers that are stacked in the stack on one side of the display element and transmission axes of polarizers that are stacked in the stack on another side of the display element are arranged to be displaced from a cross nicol state. Also, a retardation film may be provided between the polarizers that are stacked and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuji ISHITANI, Takeshi NISHI, Yuji EGI
  • Publication number: 20070200979
    Abstract: A colour display device comprises: a first display substrate (13) and a second display substrate (18), said substrates being spaced apart and opposed to each other; a layer of an electro-optic material (27) between the substrates; a set of first electrodes (17a) on an inner surface of the first display substrate (13) and a set of second electrodes (17b) on an inner surface of the second display substrate (18), the first electrodes (17a) overlapping the second electrodes (17b) to define pixels for selectively applying an electric field across at least some of said electro-optic material; a set of first colour filters (CY) on the first display substrate, each of said first electrodes being in register with one of said first colour filters; and a set of second colour filters (CM) on the second display substrate, each of said second electrodes being in register with one of said second colour filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: John Rudin, Adrian Geisow
  • Publication number: 20070200980
    Abstract: Provided is a color filter substrate in which satisfactory planarity at any portion on a black matrix is materialized. In a color filter substrate used in the present invention, a planarizing layer is formed so as to cover a light shielding layer (12) having a black matrix (41) and colored layers. The colored layers are partitioned into shapes corresponding to the shape of the black matrix (41), edges of the respective partitioned colored layers (16R, 16G, and 16B) overlap the light shielding layer (12), the edges have spaced portions (43) formed therebetween so that the edges are distance from each other, and the planarizing layer is formed over the light shielding layer (12) so as to fill the spaced portions (43).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Takakazu Fukuchi
  • Publication number: 20070200981
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor array panel is provided, the method includes: forming a gate line on an insulating substrate; forming a gate insulating layer; forming a semiconductor layer; forming a data conductive layer including a data line and a drain electrode; depositing a passivation layer; forming a photoresist including a first portion located on an end portion of the gate line, a second portion thicker than the first portion and located on the drain electrode, and a third portion thicker than the second portion; exposing a portion of the passivation layer under the second portion of the photoresist and a portion of the gate insulating layer under the first portion of the photoresist by etching using the photoresist as an etch mask; forming first and second contact holes exposing the drain electrode and the end portions of the gate line, respectively; and forming a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode through the first contact hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun-Hyung SOUK, Jeong-Young Lee, Jong-Soo Yoon, Kwon-Young Choi, Bum-Ki Baek
  • Publication number: 20070200982
    Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer between the pair of substrates. In addition, the device includes a plurality of dots capable of independently applying voltage to the liquid crystal layer, each dot having a dot area that includes a first section and a second section. A color filter is arranged in the first section of at least one of the dots. A substantially transparent area is arranged in the at least one of the dots in the second section where the color filter is not arranged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Okumura, Eiji Okamoto, Tsuyoshi Maeda, Toshiharu Matsushima
  • Publication number: 20070200983
    Abstract: On a first substrate, a TFT which is a switching element is provided for each pixel, and above an insulating film covering this TFT, a reflective layer which is insulated from the TFT and which reflects light entering a second substrate and transmitting through a second electrode made of ITO is formed. Further, a first electrode having a work function similar to that of the second electrode and made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO is formed closer to a liquid crystal layer than the reflective layer, and this first electrode is connected with the TFT. With this configuration, the liquid crystal layer can be symmetrically AC driven by the first and second electrodes. A reliable connection between the first electrode and the TFT is provided through a connection metal layer made of a refractory metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Inoue, Norio Koma, Shinji Ogawa, Tohru Yamashita, Nobuhiko Oda, Satoshi Ishida, Tsutomu Yamada
  • Publication number: 20070200984
    Abstract: Disclosed are a reflection type LCD and method of manufacturing the same. A wiring layer having a first and second metal layer (102, 104) is formed on a substrate (100) including a display region (D) and a pad region (P). Upon the substrate (100) and the wiring layer is formed a first passivation layer (155), and contacts with a wiring terminal (115) and the first metal layer (102). A second passivation layer (180) is formed on the substrate except the pad region (P). The pad contact hole (160) extends to a position under the second passivation layer (180). The second passivation layer (180) covers a region in the pad contact hold (160) where the step coverage of the pad electrode (170) is poor, thereby preventing a battery effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Jeong-Ho Lee, Sang-Gun Choi, Young-Goo Song
  • Publication number: 20070200985
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transflective liquid crystal display device which can reduce the generation of an image retention even when the transflective liquid crystal display device adopts the constitution in which an aluminum film is formed in a reflective region and a transparent conductive film made of ITO or the like is arranged over the aluminum film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Toshiki KANEKO, Toshiyuki Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20070200986
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal layer between a first substrate and a second substrate, at least one first-type optical compensation layer over the liquid crystal layer, and at least one polarizer layer over the first-type optical compensation layer. The liquid crystal layer has a birefringence liquid crystal material. The first-type optical compensation layer includes a negative birefringence material. The optical axis of the first-type optical compensation layer is substantially parallel to a plane of either of the first substrate or the second substrate throughout the the layer. A liquid crystal display is prepared by forming a liquid crystal layer as described above, forming at least one first-type optical compensation layer as described above, and forming at least one polarizer layer over the first-type optical compensation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Hiap Ong
  • Publication number: 20070200987
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid crystal panel, a liquid television and a liquid crystal display apparatus each having significantly reduced light leak and coloring in black display, a high contrast ratio in an oblique direction and a small color shift in an oblique direction. A liquid crystal panel according to the present invention includes: a liquid crystal cell including a liquid crystal layer containing nematic liquid crystals in homogeneous alignment in an absence of an electric field; a first polarizer arranged on a viewer side of the liquid crystal cell; a first laminated optical element arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the first polarizer; a second polarizer arranged on a backlight side of the liquid crystal cell; and a second laminated optical element arranged between the liquid crystal cell and the second polarizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yoda, Shuuji Yano, Masaki Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20070200988
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display is provided, which includes: a first panel; a second panel facing the first panel; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first panel and the second panel; a biaxial compensation film disposed on an outer surface of the first panel; a first polarizing film disposed on an outer surface of the biaxial compensation film; a C-plate uniaxial compensator disposed on an outer surface of the second panel and having a horizontal retardation lower than about 10 nm; and a second polarizing film disposed on an outer surface of the C-plate uniaxial compensator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyeong-Hyeon KIM, Yun Jang, Jang-Kun Song
  • Publication number: 20070200989
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal display device which can control a viewing angle in up/down and left/right directions without need of forming white subpixels. In the liquid crystal display device which includes a first region having liquid crystal molecules aligned in a slanted direction, and a second region having the liquid crystal molecules aligned in up and down directions or in left and right directions. Voltage is independently applied to the second region from the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: LG.PHILIPS LCD CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kimura Shinichi, Furuta Kaoru, Yamashita Hidefumi, Nagayama Kazuyoshi, Momoi Yuichi, Yoshida Hidefumi
  • Publication number: 20070200990
    Abstract: In order to suppress noise in display, which would occur due to variations of inclination directions of liquid crystal molecules, and to improve display quality, a first structure in a shape having a discontinuous portion is provided to a first electrode, and a second structure is provided to a second electrode so as to face the discontinuous portion of the first structure. When a voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes to generate an electric field in a liquid crystal layer, the first structure controls the inclination directions of the liquid crystal molecules, and the second structure controls the inclination directions of the liquid crystal molecules existing in the discontinuous portion of the first structure. In the discontinuous portion of the first structure, the amount of light passing through the liquid crystal layer increases, and the liquid crystal molecules are aligned more vertically. Hence, light leakage is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Hirosawa, Norihiro Yoshida, Arihiro Takeda, Reiko Suwa, Hiroyuki Kimura, Hiroshi Tabatake, Yuuki Morita
  • Publication number: 20070200991
    Abstract: A substrate includes adjacent first and second pixel regions defined by first and second gate lines extending in a first direction and a data line extending in a second direction that crosses the gate lines. First and second driving thin film transistors formed in the first and second pixel regions, respectively, are connected to the data line. A first synchronization adjusting thin film transistor formed in the first pixel region and is connected to the second gate line. A first connection line is connected to the first driving thin film transistor and the first synchronization adjusting thin film transistor. The first connection line overlaps a conductive line along a direction of extension of the conductive line. First and second pixel electrodes are connected to the first synchronization adjusting thin film transistor and the second driving thin film transistor, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Gee-Sung Chae
  • Publication number: 20070200992
    Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device includes a display area having display pixels arranged in a matrix shape, and a dummy area that is formed proximate to an edge of the display area and that has a plurality of dummy pixels. Each dummy pixel includes a first electrode, a second electrode for receiving a common voltage, a liquid crystal layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a voltage supplier for supplying the first voltage to the first electrode. By removing a thin film transistor of a dummy pixel and directly applying a common voltage to a pixel electrode, the thin film transistor of the dummy pixel is destroyed when static electricity is introduced from the outside, thereby preventing static electricity from being introduced to the display area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Chul-Ho Kim, Il-Gon Kim, Cheol-Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20070200993
    Abstract: A color liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate having data lines and scan lines arranged in a matrix, a second substrate having four-color filter segments to provide four sub-pixels forming a pixel, a frame-shaped sealing material through which the first and second substrates are bonded together, and a liquid crystal sealed in a gap surrounded by the first and second substrates and the sealing material. The data lines and the scan lines are drawn out of the sealing material and arranged as inspection data lines having a predetermined length. Among the inspection data lines LR, LG, LB, LC corresponding to the four-color filter segments, at least one pair of the inspection lines for two colors sandwich one inspection data line for one color and have identical lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SANYO EPSON IMAGING DEVICES CORP.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Aramatsu
  • Publication number: 20070200994
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a first substrate provided with an alignment film on one surface thereof, and a second substrate provided with an alignment film on one surface thereof. The first and second substrates are arranged to oppose each other with the alignment films inside the opposed first and second substrates. Spacers are interposed between the first and second substrates, and pixels are arranged in a matrix in the display apparatus. The spacers are arranged such that, along a direction of rubbing treatment for the alignment film of the second substrate, not more than one spacer is provided per pixel, at least one spacer is present per three consecutive pixels, and no three consecutive pixels all have a respective spacer corresponding thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Yanagisawa
  • Publication number: 20070200995
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a first field generating electrode arranged on the first substrate and including first and second cutouts, and a second substrate facing the first substrate. A second field generating electrode is arranged on the second substrate and includes a third cutout, and a liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first and second field generating electrodes. A column spacer is interposed between the first and second substrates and is disposed in the first cutout region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yang-Gyu Jang
  • Publication number: 20070200996
    Abstract: Exemplary methods and apparatus are provided herein related to display systems. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of forming a display is discussed that includes providing an embossable material and embossing the embossable material to form a plurality of features including at least one geometric adhesive portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Qin Liu, Alan Arthur
  • Publication number: 20070200997
    Abstract: Disclosed is a contoured metal eyeglass frame. The frame may be injection molded or cast, and may include sculpted, variable cross section eyeglass components. Thus, the present invention combines the design flexibility of injection molded plastic parts with the strength and durability of metal construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: OAKLEY, INC.
    Inventors: James Jannard, Malcolm Houston, Carlos Reyes, Ryan Saylor
  • Publication number: 20070200998
    Abstract: Illuminated novelty eye glasses include a frame having a body with portions that define lens openings and adjacent hinge regions, and a bridge region between the portions defining the lens openings. The body has a channel formed therein traversing around the lens openings and across the bridge region. The body is formed from a transparent or translucent material. Ear pieces are connected to the frame at the hinge regions. The ear pieces each have a hinge region for hingedly connecting the ear pieces to the body such that the ear pieces fold inwardly toward the body. The ear pieces each include a compartment and a channel extending generally from the compartment to the hinge region. An LED assembly is formed from a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted to a plurality of conductors. A power source is operably connected to the LED assembly and is carried in one of the ear piece compartments and a switch operably connects the power source to the LED assembly and is carried in the other ear piece compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: CHEMICAL LIGHT, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Schrimmer, Ronald E. Gilley
  • Publication number: 20070200999
    Abstract: A pair of eyeglasses is equipped an illuminating device; hollow housing parts are pivoted to respective ones of front end portions of temples of the eyeglasses, and adjustable in position; the temples each have a battery box formed thereon; the illuminating device includes a light emitting element held in each one of hollow housing parts, a wire connected to each one of the light emitting elements at one end, and a battery set held in each one of the battery boxes and connected to the other end of each one of the wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Hui Lee
  • Publication number: 20070201000
    Abstract: Eyewear includes a left temple and a right temple. Each of the temples has a cavity sized to receive an audio device such as a BlueTooth transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote device like a cell phone or a digital sound device. The BlueTooth transceiver may be placed in the cavity of either temple with the other temple cavity covered with a cover plate. An earphone may be connected to the BlueTooth transceiver through a receptacle. The earphone delivers the audible sound to the user's ear. The receptacle of the BlueTooth transceiver to which the earphone connects is also configured to receive the connector from a charger to charge a rechargeable battery in the BlueTooth transceiver. The eyewear may also be configured with cover plates over the cavity in both of the temples or with an audio device in both cavities to provide audible signals to both ears of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Jackson, Eleanor Jackson
  • Publication number: 20070201001
    Abstract: Wavefront measurements of eyes are normally taken when the pupil is relatively large, and the results are often represented by a set of Zernike coefficients. Different sets of Zernike coefficients can be calculated to represent aberrations at smaller pupil sizes. While recently described techniques allow scaling of the expansion coefficients with Zernike polynomials, a more intuitive approach would be desirable. Such an approach may optionally derive an equivalent result as known techniques, but may employ a much simpler and nonrecursive formula between the new and the original sets of Zernike polynomial expansion coefficients of a wavefront when the aperture size is scaled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: VISX, Incorporated
    Inventor: Guang-ming Dai
  • Publication number: 20070201002
    Abstract: A hole data input device for inputting hole data including a position of a hole with respect to a target lens shape for forming the hole on an eyeglass lens to attach a rimless frame to the lens, includes: a storage that stores plural types of hole patterns; a selector that selects a desired hole pattern from the stored hole patterns; and a setting unit that automatically sets at least one of positions, diameters, depths, and angles of plural holes based on the selected hole pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: NIDEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyoji Takeichi
  • Publication number: 20070201003
    Abstract: An imaging system and method are provided that include a lighting system having an array of light sources, a control system for driving one or more light sources to illuminate for a longer period of time than one or more other light sources, and an image sensor having a field of view for capturing an image of an object within the field of view. The light sources may be divided into annular bands with the control system causing an inner annular band of light sources to be driven to illuminate for a longer period of time than an outer annular band of light sources. Alternatively, the control system may be configured to drive one or more soft light sources to illuminate for a longer period of time than other light sources since the soft light sources produce less light output than the other light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: David Rankin
  • Publication number: 20070201004
    Abstract: An image projection apparatus (100) comprises a projector (106), a frame (108), and a partially transparent screen (110). The frame (108) retains the screen (110) under tension, such that the screen (110) is inclined at an angle with respect to a plane of emission of light from the projector (106). The screen (110) has a front surface arranged such that light emitted from the projector (106) is reflected therefrom. The projector (106) projects an image such that light forming the image impinges upon the screen (11) such that a virtual image is created from light reflected from the screen (110), the virtual image appearing to be located behind the screen (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: MUSION SYSTEMS LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian O'Connell, James Rock
  • Publication number: 20070201005
    Abstract: A modular projection device. The modular projection device includes a docking interface for selectively coupling the projection device to a content source module that provides the projection device with video content for projection onto a projection surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: INFOCUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald Rhodes, Morten Johansen, Mike Gemelke, Jeff Allison, Tim Anderson
  • Publication number: 20070201006
    Abstract: There are provided a write light valve for generating image-writing light by modulating write light, a driver for writing images into the write light valve based on image data, read light valves for each color for generating respective color image lights by modulating each received color illumination light, an imaging lens group for guiding the image-writing light emitted from the write light valve to the respective read light valves, a dichroic cube for combining together color image lights emitted from the respective read light valves, a projection lens for projecting each color image light combined together. The imaging lens group has a distortion aberration which reduces or cancels out a distortion aberration of the projection lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Ryuhei Amano, Yoshihiro Yokote, Hideyuki Kanayama, Kazuhiro Arai, Takashi Ikeda, Takashi Miwa
  • Publication number: 20070201007
    Abstract: A projection display is provided with a light engine including a damped piezo-electric smooth picture actuating device. The light engine comprises a mirror and an actuator for positioning the mirror. The actuator includes a tilting means that couples the actuator to the mirror. The tilting means has damping material attached thereto. The damping material may be a polymeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventor: Scott Rottler
  • Publication number: 20070201008
    Abstract: A DLP projection device includes a cooling fin of a DMD chip, a cover of an optical engine, a mother board, a metal sheet covering the mother board, an upper housing covering the DLP projection device, and an EMI shielding slice coupled with the cooling fin of the digital micro mirror display chip, the cover of the optical engine, and the metal sheet. The EMI shielding slice is also attached to the upper housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Hsien-Feng Lin
  • Publication number: 20070201009
    Abstract: An image display device comprises an optical imaging arrangement for providing image information to illumination light and for transmitting the light as an optical image signal; a display for receiving the optical image signal and for displaying an image based on the image information; and a projecting optical arrangement including a reflecting part having a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical image signal, and a refracting optical part having a refracting surface for projecting the optical image signal onto the reflecting part. At least one of the reflecting surface and the refracting surface is aspherical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroshi Suzuki, Kohei Teramoto, Jiro Suzuki, Shinsuke Shikama
  • Publication number: 20070201010
    Abstract: Of a measurement stage (MST) that has a plate (101) on which liquid is supplied, and performs measurement related to exposure via a projection optical system (PL) and a liquid (Lq), at least a part of the measurement stage including the plate can be exchanged. Therefore, by exchanging at least a part of the measurement stage including the plate before the surface of the plate deteriorates due to contact with the liquid, measurement related to exposure can be performed constantly with high precision, which makes it possible to maintain exposure with high precision. Further, in the case at least one edge surface of the plate is mirror-polished, when at least a part of the measurement section including the plate is exchanged to a new component, the position of the plate can be accurately measured, for instance, by an interferometer or the like via the edge surface of the plate that has been mirror-polished, even if the position of the component that has been exchanged is roughly set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuichi Shibazaki
  • Publication number: 20070201011
    Abstract: An optical element includes a base material, a liquid-repellent member provided on at least a part of a surface of the base material, and a light-reducing member provided between the base material and the liquid-repellent member to protect the liquid-repellent member from radiation of light by reducing the light. The optical element is usable for a liquid immersion exposure apparatus for exposing a substrate through a liquid. It is possible to avoid any inflow of the liquid in a liquid immersion area into an unexpected place via the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao Kokubun, Ryuichi Hoshika
  • Publication number: 20070201012
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed for use with an immersion liquid positioned between the projection system and a substrate. Several methods and mechanism are disclosed to protect components of the projection system, substrate table and a liquid confinement system. These include providing a protective coating on a final element of the projection system as well as providing one or more sacrificial bodies upstream of the components. A two component final optical element of CaF2 is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Loopstra, Johannes Mulkens
  • Publication number: 20070201013
    Abstract: An energy sensor, e.g. as part of a transmission image sensor comprises: a radiation-sensitive detector arranged to receive a pulsed radiation beam and to generate a current in response thereto; a circuit equivalent to an RC network connected across the radiation-sensitive detector; and an analog to digital converter connected across a resistive component of the circuit and arranged to output digital samples measuring the voltage across the resistive component at a sampling rate that is greater than the pulse repetition rate of the pulsed radiation beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Venema
  • Publication number: 20070201014
    Abstract: A light irradiation apparatus includes a light modulation element that modulates a phase of incident light to emit the modulated light therefrom, and an image forming optical system that is arranged between the light modulation element and an irradiation target plane, and forms an image of the emitted light to irradiate the irradiation target plane with the light having a predetermined light intensity. The light modulation element has in a unit region a plurality of area ratio changing structures including a first area ratio changing structure and a second area ratio changing structure. The first area ratio changing structure has at least one first phase modulation region in which an area share ratio varies in a first direction. The second area ratio changing structure has at least one second phase modulation region in which an area share ratio varies in a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Yukio Taniguchi, Masakiyo Matsumura
  • Publication number: 20070201015
    Abstract: A method for transitioning a target from a missile warning system to a fine tracking system in a directional countermeasures system includes capturing at least one image within a field of view of the missile warning system. The method further includes identifying a threat from the captured image or images and identifying features surrounding the threat. These features are registered with the threat and image within a field of view of the fine tracking system is captured. The registered features are used to identify a location of a threat within this captured image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald Gidseg, John Carattini, Phong Ha
  • Publication number: 20070201016
    Abstract: A plasma equipment seasoning method. The seasoning method comprising the steps of measuring the ratio of optical emission intensity of silicon oxide (SiOx)-based chemical species to optical emission intensity of carbon fluoride compound (CFy)-based chemical species present in a process chamber of plasma equipment before operating the plasma equipment to perform a plasma process, determining whether the value of the measured optical emission intensity ratio is within a predetermined range of normal state or not, and, when reaction gas to be used in the plasma process is supplied into the process chamber based on the result of determination such that the value of the measured optical emission intensity ratio is within the predetermined range of normal state, seasoning the interior of the process chamber to change the ratio of components of the reaction gas, and thus, to change the optical emission intensity ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: ADAPTIVE PLASMA TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Yeong Song, Sang Oh, Sheung Kim, Nam Kim
  • Publication number: 20070201017
    Abstract: An optical metrology method is disclosed for evaluating the uniformity of characteristics within a semiconductor region having repeating features such a memory die. The method includes obtaining measurements with a probe laser beam having a spot size on the order of micron. These measurements are compared to calibration information obtained from calibration measurements. The calibration information is derived by measuring calibration samples with the probe laser beam and at least one other technology having added information content. In the preferred embodiment, the other technology includes at least one of spectroscopic reflectometry or spectroscopic ellipsometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Jon Opsal, Ilya Grodnensky, Heath Pois
  • Publication number: 20070201018
    Abstract: A circuit pattern inspection apparatus and inspection method facilitate the creation of a recipe and the confirmation of a defect. The apparatus and method employ a dialogue-based operation for the creation of a recipe and the confirmation of a defect. Input items (such as contrast, calibration, etc.) for the recipe creation and their purposes are clarified. Input items (such as clustering, filtering, etc.) for the defect confirmation and their purposes are also clarified. The results obtained on the basis of these inputs are registered in the recipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Masayoshi Takeda, Hirokazu Ito
  • Publication number: 20070201019
    Abstract: In a foreign matter inspection apparatus comprising: irradiating unit for irradiating inspection light to an inspection area of an article to be inspected; intensity detecting unit for detecting intensity of either reflected light or scattered light, which is generated from the inspection area by irradiating thereto the inspection light; position detecting unit for detecting a position of either the reflected light or the scattered light within the inspection area; and deciding unit for deciding whether or not a foreign matter is present within the inspection area; the foreign matter inspection apparatus is comprised of: display unit capable of displaying thereon both a threshold image in which the threshold value is indicated over an entire area of the inspection area, and a detection sensitivity image indicated by being converted from the threshold image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamashita, Mamoru Kobayashi, Eiji Imai, Yoshio Morishige, Koichi Nagoya, Hideki Fukushima
  • Publication number: 20070201020
    Abstract: A fiber optic darkfield ring light with many angled fiber optic light lines with direct illumination in a very small package. The fiber optic darkfield ring light includes a base with multiple light heads and multiple light covers attached thereto, a main cover, an optional cord grip, and an optional hood. It incorporates multiple fiber optic line arrays positioned at low angle and used in conjunction with a strobe light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Falai Li
  • Publication number: 20070201021
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding liquid samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Carol Schembri, Zhenghua Ji, Hongfeng Yin, William McAllister
  • Publication number: 20070201022
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for using a fiber array spectral translator-based (“FAST”) spectroscopic system for performing spectral unmixing of a mixture containing multiple polymorphs. In an embodiment, a first spectrum of a mixture containing polymorphs of a compound is obtained using a photon detector and a fiber array spectral translator having plural fibers. A set of second spectra is provided where each spectrum of the set of second spectra may be representative of a different polymorph of the compound. The first spectrum and the set of second spectra may be compared, and based on the comparison, the presence of one or more polymorphs in the mixture may be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: CHEMIMAGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason H. Neiss, Patrick J. Treado, Robert Schweitzer
  • Publication number: 20070201023
    Abstract: A method of determining the crystalline orientation of a crystal surface of a workpiece using Raman spectroscopy. A beam of substantially monochromatic light is directed to be incident on the crystal surface at a predetermined angle of incidence. The beam of light is substantially polarized. The workpiece is rotated relative to the beam of light about a rotation axis substantially normal to the crystal surface. A Raman shift of scattered light is measured at each of a number of rotational positions during the rotation of the workpiece. The crystalline orientation of the crystal surface is determined based on the measured Raman shifts. Data indicating the determined crystalline orientation of the crystal surface is stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Ming Li
  • Publication number: 20070201024
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods relating to the manufacture of osmotic tablets, in particular to the use of near-infrared spectroscopy in the detection of the presence or absence of semi-permeable membranes in osmotic tablets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: JOHAN GEERKE
  • Publication number: 20070201025
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to verify the composition of a medical fluid in a fluid container. The verification is performed at a centralized location, where light is transmitted through the fluid and detected by a sensor that generates signals representative of the spectral data of the actual composition of the fluid. These signals are compared with the spectral data of an expected composition of the fluid. Based on the comparison, a label is generated that identifies the composition of the fluid and is affixed to the fluid container. The fluid container, with the verified fluid, is distributed to the point of care.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Cardinal Health, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Greenwald